Barriers to Good Communication


Lesson 1

Lesson 2

Lesson 3

Lesson 4

Lesson 5

Lesson 6



End of unit taskLesson 2Lesson 3


Lesson Objectives
  • Understand the main barriers to communication
  • Explain some barriers to communication

Starter

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Key TermsCulture - The beliefs and traditions of the people of a country or region

Activity

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ActivityRead through the information below and discuss with your neighbour situations YOU have experience where communication barriers caused confusion.
What is a barrier to communication?When information is communicated it has to be understood in order for it to be successful. Positive feedback can show that the information has been successfully communicated. If the information does not get through/understood by the receiver then it can result in:
  • Action not being taken
  • Incorrect action being taken
  • Information being ignored
  • The receiver not acting on the information
  • The sender not getting a useful response

The main barriers to communication
  • Language - not just a foreign language but complex or inappropriate language can be misunderstood
  • Technical content - the receiver might not have the technical knowledge to understand the information
  • Inadequate Feedback - the sender may receive inadequate feedback due to the message not being received in its entirety, a presentation being misunderstood although the audience is applauding
  • Lack of understanding what the receiver wants or needs - If the sender doesn't understand the receivers wants, needs or expects, the information may not be communicated effectively
  • Emotional interference - emotions can get it the way, sending a letter to a customer when you are angry, a customer phoning and being abusive as they are angry
  • Degree of knowledge and expertise of the sender & receiver - if there is a difference in these the communication may be misunderstood
  • The quality of the information - if a message is confused or poorly written it can be misunderstood
  • Use of an inappropriate medium - can lead to the message being misinterpreted or misunderstood
  • Lack of trust or honesty in the sender - if the two parties do not trust each other they may not take the message seriously
  • Cultural differences - what is acceptable in one culture can be offensive in another
  • Poor listening skills - both parties must have good listening skills for communication to be successful
  • The position or status of the sender - people sometimes do not take information seriously when it is given by someone of lesser importance to themselves

Task

There are 12 barriers to communication above. Choose 5 of these and explain a scenario where they might be a problem.

Example
Cultural differences - In some Asian and Islamic countries the thumbs up gesture is seen as being rude - non-verbal communication where the Islamic worker asks the British worker if they are finding the job OK and the British worker gives the thumbs up sign may not be successful.

PlenaryPractice some non-verbal communication with your friend, ask each other questions and used gestures, facial expression, body language to respond to each other.